Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Because iron deficiency tends to develop slowly, adaptation occurs and the disease often goes unrecognized for some time, even years; patients often adapt to the systemic effects that anemia causes. In severe cases, dyspnea (trouble breathing) can occur.2

Other symptoms and signs of iron deficiency anemia include:2

Anxiety often resulting in OCD-type compulsions and obsessions

Irritability or a low feeling

Angina

Constipation

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Mouth ulcers

Palpitations

Hair loss

Fainting or feeling faint

Depression

Breathlessness

Twitching muscles

Pale yellow skin

Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations

Missed menstrual cycle

Glossitis (inflammation or infection of the tongue)

Koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails) or nails that are weak or brittle

Poor appetite

Pruritus (itchiness)

Symptoms of Megaloblastic Anemia

Symptoms of megaloblastic anemia can vary among individuals, but common symptoms include:3

Fatigue

Muscle weakness

Loss of appetite/weight loss

Diarrhea

Nausea

Fast heartbeat

Smooth or tender tongue

Tingling in hands and feet

Numbness in extremities

Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia

PA presents insidiously, and many of the signs and symptoms are due to anemia itself, where anemia is present. Untreated pernicious anemia can lead to neurological complications, and in serious cases, death. Common symptoms include:4